The calamari was so crispy and the tomato bisque was delicious. Indoor and some outdoor seating after a big shopping day at Nordstrom! Located on the 3rd floor. Met here with some friends while at Ala Moana and this is a great spot for a quick bite or a full meal! They've got burgers, sandwiches, salads, and pasta entrees as well. We ended it with the brownie sundae and it was delicious. The chocolate syrup came separate and you can drizzle it over yourself! So fun. Service was great and they were attentive with a great ambiance around to make you feel comfortable. Will be back when I'm shopping at Ala Moana next time! read more

Ruscello at Nordstrom - Brownie Sundae - Mediterranean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Boss took the staff out for lunch and this was such a treat! I've never been here before and boy I loved it so much, I returned the next day with mister. Anyway, my return the next day... reservations highly recommended. We arrived half hour early and requested to be seated. It would have been a pleasant experience if Kailey told us in a friendlier way that she cannot guarantee us a seat prior to, she seemed bothered that we asked. And so we had to wait until our reservation time up to the very minute. Noted, never arrive before and I deeply apologize for bothering Kailey with our request. As for the food, fantastic!! The Brussel sprouts will get you for sure. The spinach dip so good!! Great sit down and eat food while you rest between shopping. Overall, the wait service is great. Definitely will return not a minute earlier than my reservation time. read more

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I've eaten a few times at Ruscello which is located in Nordstrom's at Ala Moana shopping center. Food here isn't overly fancy, but good comfort food, and consistently delicious. They serve a number of pastas, soups, and sandwiches. It's also a good spot to come for lunch with friends. We sat outside on the deck, which was a little windy, but comfortable. Service is attentive and friendly. We had the artichoke and spinach dip and the turkey and avocado club sandwich. Always a good experience. read more

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As crazy as it sounds, this was my first time trying Ruscello's! I met my friends there for lunch. I was happy one of them suggested it and made a reservation for us so that we didn't have to wait. I remember when they were in the old Nordstrom, it was cafeteria style. But now, it's restaurant style which is nice because you feel less rushed. Our waiter was very nice and attentive. Came by often to check on us, although I feel bad because we were talking story so it took us a while to order. Lol We ordered the calamari and spinach artichoke dip for appetizers. Both were really good. I loved the peppers in the calamari mix. And I loved that the dip was nice & creamy and came with pita bread. The only down side is that they don't give enough bread so we had to order more and there is a charge for that. For my main, I ordered the turkey club with a Caesar salad (you can pick your side) and I asked to sub the peppercorn aioli with the truffle aioli. Best decision! All of their food was good that I wouldn't mind coming back if we're ever shopping around Ala Moana. Their prices are reasonable, service is good, and the restaurant is very clean! read more

Ruscello at Nordstrom - Calamari - Mediterranean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I frequent this place as a key dinner spot when I go to Ala Moana. Their mushroom ravioli with an addition of bacon is beautiful. The lobster bisque is absolutely PHENOMENAL. You have to get the lobster bisque. Reservations are highly recommended, but they accomodate well and are always attentive. Not to mention, service is fast as well. read more

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Went to dinner with a few friends as I have never been here before. It was very nice and casual. The waitress was okay, nothing special. I had the chicken cilantro tacos and berry ginger beer. The drink was very good and taco was good with the extra lime wedge. However, I didn't know the chicken was going to be ground chicken which was but I think it would have been better if it was shredded chicken. It was still pretty good. read more

Ruscello at Nordstrom - Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos - Mediterranean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Decent food in a beautiful space even though it's within Nordstrom. Ruscello is a perfect spot for a nicer meal that will please all crowds. They're usually busy, though, so I'd recommend making reservations. On my last visit, I shared a pesto gnocchi and salmon nicoise salad with another person in my party. Both were good (though unremarkable), but the pesto was almost a soup which was a bit strange. The sleeper hit, though, was the shoestring fries. They're good fries and come with a kalamata olive dip that's SO delicious! You have to be an olive lover, but I could've drank the dip on its own. Overall, the food here probably won't blow you away, but it's a reliable spot for a nice meal. read more

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The best thing about this restaurant is the atmosphere! It's got a beautiful view of Ala Moana beach park. The service during our visit was alright, the waiter seemed to be distant with us and all our interactions were quick and to the point, he was polite but not the most engaged with our group. The food was underwhelming. I ordered the pesto gnocchi and it was bland and gummy which was disappointing. I also tried the pizza and It wasnt bad but I didn't love it. My dad ordered the penne and meatballs and enjoyed it. read more

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Had lunch with family and what a treat ! Had reservations so we got seated immediately and a view too! Got our drinks then it was time to tackle the menu! Appetizers- poke artichoke dip and Brussel sprouts! Poke was nice and fresh- a simple but good poke. Artichoke dip served hot and pita bread wedges - very good Brussel sprouts - loved it - a nice char and crispy w/ crispy chicken sausage, really well done Panko chicken salad - good healthy portion of chicken and greens served w/ avocado light dressing a really perfect meal. Cilantro lime salad w/ shrimp- the shrimp was perfectly grilled and the dressing perfect! Will order this again as it's a perfect balanced salad Dessert menu is well rounded but will have to wait for our next visit as the salad is filling. A really perfect lunch with family! A well run restaurant as service is on point and good served quickly. Location is good and parking plentiful. Most of all the wait staff is impressive . read more

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The service was fast and friendly, the restaurant was clean and the view of the ocean was nice. Only thing I would say is that sunset outmatches their shades so if you are sitting near a window, you may get the sun in your eyes/face. Friends and I got together and enjoyed a nice meal. Everyone liked their food and really enjoyed the gelato. read more

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We come here at least once or twice a month...prior to Ruscello Nordstrom was at the other end of Ala Moana Shopping Mall it was not called Ruscello but an open buffet self service restaurant next to the men's shoes department! When I first encounter the restaurant in Nordstrom I was visiting for Tokyo doing my shopping when I came across the eatery first time exhausted before my return. Your restaurant never disappoints!! I bring friends and visiting guests here to eat. read more

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This was my first time here. This place is awesome. Beautiful view of the surf break "courts." Jimmy was very attentive and provided excellent service. All the food was delicious. Just wish the club sandwich bread wasn't toasted. Would have been softer and more enjoyable but that's just me being picky. See pic descriptions for what we ordered. Located above the Foodland farms and across from KHON. Lots of parking at the Ala Moana Mall. read more

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Went to the renovated Ruscello. There is a new seating area extended into the store , close to the baby carriages. I didn't see too much of a difference in the main restaurant besides new carpeting and new seats. The menu seems smaller or maybe just printed smaller. I took pictures below. I ordered the chicken gnocchi with pesto. Yum ....still tastes wonderful....I felt it was a larger serving since I almost could not eat it all like I have done so many times in the past. It seemed weird to be given a diet coke can instead of it being served in a glass. Service was efficient and I still enjoy having meals here. read more

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Tucked inside Nordstrom Ala Moana is Ruscello, the perfect spot for date night! We started with the artichoke spinach dip, which was delicious. I was expecting the usual tortilla chips, but I loved that it came with soft flatbread instead. It paired perfectly with the creamy dip and made the appetizer feel a little more special. My boyfriend ordered the French dip, and it was hearty and very filling. The portion was so generous that we had leftovers to take home. I ordered the chicken lemon pesto gnocchi. The lemon flavor was a little stronger than I expected and overpowered the pesto, but the gnocchi itself was perfectly cooked with an amazing texture that made up for it. Our server was friendly and attentive, checking on us throughout the meal to make sure we had everything we needed. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere and feels a bit more upscale, though it can get a little noisy when it's busy. Overall, we had a good experience and would definitely come back. If you're looking for a nice sit-down meal while shopping at Ala Moana, Ruscello is an excellent choice. read more

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The homemade Margherita pizza had more of a focaccia style bread base and was a light pizza. I didn't mind it and it was simple and good. The portabella mushroom ravioli was very creamy. It was a bit too creamy to finish all at once, but I appreciated the chewy and fresh texture of the ravioli. We sat outside and were able to see the ocean. I liked the atmosphere and the waitress was also friendly. FYI: We went there during lunchtime and it was packed. We were lucky to get a seat without making a reservation, but if you want to be sure, making a reservation would make it more likely to get a seat without waiting. Even though it was crowded, we didn't have to wait long for our food! Margherita Pizza $18 Portabella Mushroom Ravioli $20 read more

Ruscello at Nordstrom - Margherita Pizza $18 - Mediterranean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Dined here with former colleagues/forever friends. We ALL had the same thing, this braised beef sandwich on the daily special menu. It was so delicious and tasty. Absolutely filling. We shared a calamari appetizer which was also delicious. Our server was wonderful! The atmosphere was lively. Loved dining here and look forward to returning soon. read more

Ruscello at Nordstrom - Braised beef sandwich (daily special) - Mediterranean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Reliable meal at Ala Moana. All the dishes I've had here are solid. Mom likes their burger. I usually get a salad w protein. Not the cheapest eats but still good read more

Ruscello at Nordstrom - Mediterranean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

They just reopen after short time renovation. I and my friend decided to try for lunch. Highly recommend to make a reservation. When we made our reservation at 11:30, already the restaurant is packed. Looks like their renovation was minor change. They rid of the wall next to the entrance, that area was covered with tape, are they going to expand the table ???I'm not sure. Well, menu is not big change, little bit miner change. But we ordered as usual our regular choice, cilantro lime salad with grilled chicken and grilled shrimp! Our server was very friendly and nice, even the restaurant was super busy. Our salad tasted good and we enjoyed our meal. Anyway, when we checked out, the server asked us pay together or separate, we chose separate. She used the device and finished very quick our payment! read more

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It's hard to find nice comfortable ambiance integrated with great customer service and fresh delicious food but Ruscello nailed it! It is better to make reservations, attire is casual. Some Our dishes consisted of Artichoke spinach dip, Chicken Lemon & Pesto Gnocchi, lobster bisque, spicy wild shrimp pasta and the brownie sundae. All delicious popping with fresh flavors but the lobster bisque, artichoke spinach dip and the brownie sundae are a must haves in my opinion. FYI mostly everything here is made from scratch. Very wonderful dining experience and will return to try the other entrees. read more

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We stopped by for a weekday lunch without a reservation. It wasn't busy when we arrived around 11 a.m., though it had filled up a bit by the time we left. The service was decent, and the atmosphere was pleasant enough. We ordered the Kung Pau Brussels Sprouts, Penne Bolognese & Meatballs, the Cilantro Lime Salad with Grilled Chicken, and their featured cranberry drinks--both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions. The Brussels sprouts were on the sweeter side but still delicious. My SO enjoyed the penne, though I personally would have preferred it without the cream. The salad was tasty and I loved the cilantro, but I do wish it had come with a bit more chicken. Overall, it was a great experience and I really enjoyed the food. I'd happily come back to try more items on the menu. read more

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A few weeks a friend and I went to Ruscello to celebrate a special occasion. We both had the strawberry shortcake, which is served only during the summer and possibly fall. It was an early afternoon and the weather was lovely, so we sat outside in the fresh air. The waiter was both friendly and professional as he seated us. I told him that I had heard great things about the strawberry shortcake, but never had it there so I was looking forward to it. Needless to say, I was not disappointed by the tower of deliciousness in front of me. The strawberries were ripe and juicy. The whipped cream was smooth and had just the right amount of sweetness. Each mouthful was an amazing experience for my tastebuds. I was in dessert heaven. It was a large dessert, but I ate the whole thing. If you have a meal with dessert, you might want to share the shortcake with your dining companion. Highly recommended. read more

Service was great. The woman was patient and attentive to our party. Food was good. I ordered the French dip with fries, and a starter salad. The starter salad is a pretty big portion, so if you're thinking about ordering it to share, perfect idea. The dressing on the salad is really good. It wasn't overly dressed. We also ordered the calamari, which was alright. It didn't have a lot of crunch to it. The style is on the softer tempura type. What was surprisingly really good was the kids Mac and cheese. The portion is huge and it actually had a lot of flavor to it. My daughter loved it and she's really picky about her food. The fruit that comes with it could use a little facelift. It was just an orange, pineapple and grapes. Not the freshest of the bunch but it's something. I knocked off a star because the highchairs don't quite fit the table that we had. Keep in mind, we were given a heads up but this was supposedly the only large top available, so we made it work. Wouldn't recommend sitting here if you have kids that need to sit in a highchair. read more

I always love getting some tomato soup and the nordstrom burger at Ruscello! My order is the Roma Tomato Basil Soup Bowl ($9.25), and the Nordstrom Burger ($19.75). I'd rate the soup an 8/10, and the burger a 9/10. The service is always great here. everyone seems to love working at ruscello, and all of the workers are always cheerful. The servers always check on us often, and our drinks are always topped off. Ruscello is also very flexible with substitutions for picky eaters like me! The tomato soup is so great overall. The texture is a little chunky, but i believe that it adds a certain appealing aspect to it. The flavor of the soup is always tasty, but subtle at the same time. The bread adds lots of amazing flavor and another layer of texture to the dish. The bread pairs so well with the soup. The burger is always so great. All of the ingredients come together perfectly for a burger full of harmony in each bite! The sauce compliments it perfectly, and the perfectly crispy fries do as well. The only thing about the burger is that the old sauce that came with the burger (truffle aioli i believe) was way better than the new sauce is. However, the burger is such a solid order every time, and it never gets old. The vibe of ruscello is also very modern, and the atmosphere is always bright and welcoming. The restaurant is a lively place, and the outdoor seating is beautiful as well. I would highly recommend paying Ruscello a visit. They're consistently great! read more

Ruscello at Nordstrom - Nordstrom Burger - Mediterranean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I don't think I made another review since ruscello reopened after renovations. Honestly, since the renovations I don't really see any difference. They opened up the front of the restaurant so u can see more inside and may have updated some of the furniture but honestly it looks the same. The service seems to have improved. The menu seems to be almost similar to before. I love their salads. I like the way that you can customize your base and protein options. Honestly my favorite is either the oriental salad with chicken as protein or the panko crusted chicken salad. I prefer eating outside because I find it to be too noisy sitting indoors. You also get a beautiful ocean view when sitting outside and it's covered. read more

Parking: Ala Moana Mall Service: table service Ambiance: an elevated Olive Garden. located in nordstrom with indoor and outdoor seating with bar + sports TV Food: would rec the kung pao Brussels sprouts and their new lunch salmon BLT read more

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Ruscello is like a higher-end version of CPK and Olive Garden, but with a smaller menu and a bit higher prices. We had lunch reservations on a Saturday. We arrived and there was already a crowd of people lined up before doors opened at 11am. I really enjoyed the portabella mushroom ravioli and the Parmesan cream sauce it came with. Hubby had the bolognese with meatballs, he commented that the meatballs reminded him of meatloaf. Good experience overall. read more

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Food and drinks not good. Lobster bisque was spicy and watery...maybe they were trying to serve more customers? Costco's is 10 Times better $20 espresso martini. No foam. Just 3 coffee beans floating around in a weak coffee mixture. My friends $34 salmon. Dry and overcooked My chicken parm looked like a tv dinner or something from L&L. Now i understood why they brought me a steak knife. It was so bad that i couldn't finish it and i declined to take it home. Very disappointing and not worth the $130 for lunch. read more

Food here is good. Service is pretty good, too. It's quiet if you go right when they open but does get noisier as the restaurant fills up. Make reservations, even for 11 when it opens and you don't have to worry about the long line of walk ins. Soups are a little different than expected, not smooth as other places but delicious. This time I had the Roma tomato basil soup. Not completely pureed, so it had a nice texture. The toast is delicious but a little too crunchy. Needs to be less like a giant crouton. Fries are yummy. Salad is good. Pasta was good. Special pumpkin dessert moon pie was tiny but delicious. read more

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Ruscello (located on the top floor inside Nordstrom) is a great restaurant to meet up with family or friends and catch up over delicious food and drinks! I always used to get their Panko Chicken Salad, which they discontinued, but I still manage to order it by getting their Honey Dijon Cobb with panko chicken on top. I also love their Vine Street cocktail that has muddled grapes and the perfect amount of fresh flavors and alcohol. We also get the French Dip often -- it's full of angus beef and comes with au jus for dipping. They also have a variety of specials that feature local dishes and offer something different from their usual menu. Vibe: There's a lot of indoor seating, including bar seating, as well as outdoor seating. Sometimes it can get quite loud when the restaurant is full, but typically it's quiet enough to hold a conversation without shouting. The servers are quick, friendly, and attentive and the quality of the food and drinks is always consistent. Parking: There is a huge free parking structure that connect to Nordstrom that always has open stalls. read more

Ruscello at Nordstrom - Honey Dijon Cobb with Panko Chicken - Mediterranean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Had such a great experience at Ruscello at Nordstrom. The food was really good, and the portions were surprisingly big for the price, which made everything feel very worth it. I also loved the aesthetic and ambiance of the restaurant--it has a beautiful, relaxing atmosphere, and it was fun being able to watch the chefs cooking and preparing dishes in the open kitchen. The service was amazing as well. Justin took such good care of us throughout our visit, always checking in and making sure we were doing well. His attentiveness and friendly attitude made our dining experience even better. Another plus is the free parking at Ala Moana, making it super convenient. After enjoying a delicious meal, you can easily spend some time shopping around the mall. Definitely a great spot for good food, great service, and a nice overall dining experience. Highly recommend! read more

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Always loved going here and I still do! I recommend checking open table as they do get busy so walk-in times may be long. Luckily when we went in on a Thursday for lunch there was no wait and we were seated outside. The view is nice and perfect for a lunch with the girls. Our server was sweet, friendly, and attentive. Every time I have come here the service is awesome! My favs to order is the tomato soup and Nordstrom burger with a side of the olive aioli for my fries. Something new I tried this time was the artichoke dip which was honestly the best I've ever had in any restaurant. My friend got a salmon BLT which personally I was scared to try but it was actually SO good. I was so sad that we were stuffed as they also have great desserts and gelato in their menu. I'll always be back here whether I'm looking for a casual lunch or even for celebrations. read more

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Holy moly!!!! The fries. OMG. stopped in for lunch. Salt and pepper fries and the upscale version of McDonalds. And that is a good thing. Husband got the pepperoni mushroom pizza and rates it a 4/5. Crust could have been a little thicker. Less grease would be 5/5. The cilantro line salad no protein was THE BEST SALAD on the island. I took a side of the dressing home to use for dinner this week. They make it in house. No joke. This place beats Merriman's games down. New favorite spot. Our server recco'd tge magic bar cookie. Heated up at home in the microwave. Ooooey goodness. read more

The six of us call ourselves The Lunch Bunch -- we've been meeting every quarter for 20+ years. Dates are locked in a year ahead so there are no excuses. Of course, life still happens, but the intent is there. I'm usually in charge of picking the spot, and this time I chose Ruscello. Tucked away in the back corner of Nordstrom's third floor, Ruscello is my version of retail therapy -- but with seasoning and table service. Upscale comfort food. The menu leans modern American with Mediterranean-Italian influence: pastas, pizzas, fresh salads, lean proteins, and whole grains all make repeat appearances. Yes, the calories are listed next to the dishes -- helpful if you enjoy being quietly judged by a ravioli. I ignored it. You should too. We started strong with two shared pizzas: * Margherita - Walking a fine line between chewy and crisp the thin crust that knows its place, letting ripe tomatoes, melty mozzarella, and fresh basil do the talking. A minimalist's dream -- and my preferred style of pizza. Admittedly, I strategically saved the crust just to dip it in my pasta sauce. Oh yeah that crust lived its fullest life baby. You're gonna try it now too, don't lie. * Pepperoni - Crispy-cupped edges, slightly charred tiny disks of pepperoni - AKA flavor gold. For my main, I went with the Spicy Wild Shrimp Pomodoro -- sautéed shrimp - tender with a juicy snap,- pasta cooked to a nice al dente and evenly tossed in a bold tomato sauce with baby spinach, heirloom tomatoes, and fresh herbs. The sautéed spinach didn't bring much to the party. It was like a lost soul looking for a culinary body to possess. The heat kick at the finish gave it some attitude and tied the whole dish together. Not a home run, but a solid triple. Nom nom nom. Two members of the bunch couldn't stop raving about the burger, which did look like it belonged on the cover model of Dream Burgers magazine. And yes, I'm still mad at myself for turning down a bite. My gf thoroughly enjoyed her Pesto Salmon Salad. I'll take her words for it since I was on a mission to achieve carb bliss and couldn't be bothered by a salad. What didn't work? The Hoegaarden Belgian White Ale. Smelled like stinky feet. Tasted like... fermented regret. Pass. Pro Tip #1: Wednesdays = 50% off bottles of wine. And yes, you can take the rest home if you don't finish -- not that I've ever let that happen. Pro Tip #2: Lunch is busy. Make a reservation if you want a table, but the bar is a great walk in option. I actually prefer it - better service, more fun, and you'll probably score a seat faster. Plus there's a TV with sports! Love the atmosphere. One of my fave dining rooms in town. Modern, and relaxed with big windows that flood the room with natural light. Although the noise does get bouncy when it's crowded. There's also outdoor seating with a view of Ward Village. Excellent service throughout the meal. Friendly, professional and attentive. Happy Eating!! read more

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I went to Ruscello's for the first time and it did not disappoint!! Since I had a pretty heavy lunch at Kokohead Café, I stopped here for a quick snack and I absolutely fell in love with the tomato soup! It was like heaven in a cup. Perfectly creamy and not super heavy and so full of flavor! We also had the plantation tea (which you can also take to go!!), creme brulee (which was not too sweet which I LOVED), & the coffee gelato and it was just PERFECT snack moment/stop & relaxing shopping break. the service was phenomenal and quick too! I'll definitely be coming back for a meal next time! read more

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Came here before and after the recent renovation. Always been great when it came to service and food. Don't have anything bad to say. Food and drinks were very delicious. Definitely have a great view and vibe in the restaurant. And the staff are very friendly and positive. Will certainly be back. read more

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Everything we ordered was amazingly delicious! Brussels sprouts, hamburger and salmon salad. Brussels sprouts were so delicious that we ordered a second one! The plantation ice tea - the best on the island. Service was amazing. We sat inside because we wanting air conditioning but the terrace seating looked fun. Pricing was very fair. Definitely want to go back and try other dishes. Description says Mediterranean but that's a little misleading. read more

The service and food were both amazing. Just like we have grown to expect from Nordstrom. There was one thing that was a little different at this location. All of the other Nordstrom Cafes that we have been to over the years bring us a few crustinis. This location changes $1.50 each. Just as good, just not used to paying for them. read more

Ruscello is our go to restaurant. You can always depend on them for great food, nice atmosphere and excellent service. We're actually going back again today! read more

Ruscello has such a beautiful atmosphere, especially inside the restaurant and out on the patio. The service has also been consistently great, which is why I have given it several chances. Unfortunately, the food has been disappointing every time I have visited. I really wanted to like it because the setting is lovely and the staff is kind and attentive, but none of the dishes I have ordered have been memorable or satisfying. For the location and ambiance, I expected the food to be much better. It is a great spot for the service and atmosphere, but I would love to see more care and consistency put into the food. read more

Great date spot and cocktails spot. On the top of Nordstrom level. The food is really good and cocktails are very tasty! I'm a fan of the fruity ones and the espresso martini. But the bar can make what ever your heart entails. Service is good. I wouldn't say it's great. I have times when drinks or food come out a little longer than usual. But it is a good place. Once in a great while because it is a little expensive. read more

Ruscello at Nordstrom - Blood Orange Cocktail - Mediterranean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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